In designing for Apple’s mobiles, KORG has again turned to equipment from their past. Having reinterpreted the ElecTribe and MS-20, their newest target is the versatile, classic Polysix. The 1981 original brought programmable polyphony to keyboard lovers, with analog oscillators, memory storage, six-voice polyphony, and various effects and modulation. For iOS, Korg models that sound (having done so already with the desktop Legacy Collection), and mimics the front-panel. But even more so than on the DS-20 rendition (iMS-20), they pack in modern features that make this a production tool as much as a synthesizer. That should be welcome news for people who want to use this tool away from their computer.

The iPolysix also has an advantage in skeuomorphism (read: fake knobbery). Whereas the iMS-20’s elaborate control panel left some people’s fat fingers stumbling for parameters and eyes squinting at their display, the cleaner original Polysix layout translates nicely here.

And KORG follows a trend I’ve seen in a number of tablet developers: they describe the app as being “for iPad mini” as well as iPad. In technical specs, that’s effectively meaningless: the iPad mini is more or less a shrunken iPad 2, in display resolution and horsepower. But in practice, it’s good to see developers target readability and usability on the portable iPad – especially as, at a lower price point, the new Apple devices seems destined for success, especially with the oncoming holiday. (You can also add this to Japan’s fascination with portability, minimalism, and small size, a fascination I … share, in fact.)

Also, in keeping with KORG iOS launches, this is 50% off at launch. You want it now, in other words, not after the sale ends December 31st.

Two integrated virtual KAOSS Pads for X/Y control of the synths – including chord support. (Makes sense to me; X/Y control is still ideal on iPad, since for keys, you’re likely better off plugging in a keyboard.

SoundCloud export, which they’re dubbing “Polyshare.” (Will be interesting to see if they do extra social activities around this.)

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